Dhawal eager to earn mahi’s confidence on Zimbabwe Tour

Gujarat Lions’ bowler Dhawal Kulkarni is in a happy zone. Not only has the 27-year-old Mumbai lad picked up his best IPL figures (4/14 against RCB on Tuesday), but his gigantic improvement in bowling has also earned him a place in the India squad for the tour of Zimbabwe which will commence on June 11.

M.S. Dhoni will lead a second-string team that will play three ODIs and three T20s at the Harare Sports Club.

“It feels great to be back. It’s been a long time since I played last for India. I am really happy that I got picked and I would like to do better,” Kulkarni, who played his last international match against the African nation in July 2015, said on Wednesday.

However, Kulkarni is keen to earn Dhoni’s confidence but also points out that it won’t be a bed of roses.

“If the skipper feels that I am his strike bowler then I have to give him that confidence. You won’t get it straight away because I have to do well and keep working hard. I have to bowl well in the nets and that’s how he will get that confidence.

“It will be good if he can get that confidence early and I am sure that will happen,” Kulkarni, who is also the fourth leading wicket-taker for Mumbai in this year’s Ranji season, added.

So what has gone in his favour this season that has earned Kulkarni accolades

“I just keep my mind clear and back myself while bowling. There is no other option for me than backing myself and just be aggressive.

“I have not made any changes, just stuck to my basics and tried bowling hard in the nets. I have practised hard throughout the season and that has paid off.”

Sharing his experience playing in Zimbabwe, Kulkarni said, “The conditions are pretty much favourable for bowlers in the first hour but later on the wicket becomes flat and it’s good for the batsmen. I have to make most of the new ball.”